Iga Swiatek missed three tournaments amid suspension in the doping scandal. Despite all odds, the Polish managed to finish the 2024 season ranked at no.2, right behind her biggest rival Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole also opted for a change in her coaching team, by bringing in Naomi Osaka‘s former coach Wim Fissette. Amid the rapidly brewing partnership, Fissette appears to have developed a firm belief in the 23-year-old, even after her staggering defeat against Coco Gauff at the United Cup 2025. Fissette also detailed the reason behind Swiatek’s recent setback against her American rival.
Fissette praised the unity within the Polish team throughout the tournament. He felt deeply connected to the team and appreciated the supportive atmosphere. “I felt like part of a team where there was a great atmosphere. They were very nice people who supported each other. The players who didn’t play helped a lot those who fought on the court. There was a great atmosphere within the team off the court as well. Kudos and congratulations to Mateusz Terczyński, who did a great job for the team. He was able to bring the team together and communicated with them very well,” he said.
Reflecting on Swiatek’s loss to Gauff, Fissette pointed to acquired fatigue from the exhausting tournament schedule. Matches against Karolina Muchova and Katie Boulter tested Swiatek to the limits, leaving her drained before the final. “To beat Gauff, you have to be at your best physically and play at your best. We knew that in the final it was impossible.” Despite the loss, Fissette expressed gratification in Swiatek’s determination and resilience, emphasizing that the tournament served as excellent preparation for the upcoming Australian Open.
